Venice & the Verona Opera 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. On arrival we cross the city by coach to board our onward rail service, the high-speed TGV, to Lyon. Here we change trains, travelling into the Savoy Alps, with the scenery increasing in beauty as the train gently climbs to Annecy, where we stay at the Novotel Atria Hotel. (E,D)

We leave Annecy this morning by TGV, travelling by train into Italy to Milan. From Milan we continue by train to Venice, the floating city of shimmering waterways, elaborate bridges and ornate palaces. On arrival, we enjoy a private boat transfer through the canals to our hotel for three nights, the 4-star Hotel Splendid Venice*, which enjoys a wonderful location in the heart of the city close to the world renowned St Mark's Square. Your afternoon is free to relax and explore - who can resist the lure of discovering Venice's hidden charms? Tonight we dine together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

*Our 25 August departure stays at the 4-star Hotel Principe.

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Venice's highlights, including the spectacular Rialto Bridge, built in only 3 years between 1588 and 1591. We also visit St Mark's Square, the hub of the city, and hear the history of Venice's most famous landmark, the Basilica di San Marco. You are then free to spend the afternoon soaking up more unforgettable sights. Venice lends itself to idle wandering; possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. (B)

Today gives you the opportunity to further explore Venice. Perhaps visit the nearby islands of Burano, famous for its lace making and full of colourful streets lined with pastel-painted houses, and San Giorgio Maggiore, where you can admire the magnificent views over the sparkling water from the campanile. Alternatively, why not indulge yourself by visiting one of the many art collections in the city? The Gallerie dell'Accademia, for example, holds magnificent masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio and Tintoretto. (B)

We leave Venice today, travelling by train to Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake and one of Europe's most popular destinations, due to its mild, Mediterranean climate, stunning scenery and terrific location. Our destination is the town of Gardone Riviera, where we stay for four nights at the Savoy Palace Hotel. After time to settle in to the hotel, explore your new surroundings or enjoy a relaxing drink on the hotel's terrace overlooking the lake, we dine together in the hotel. (B,D)

Your morning is at leisure to explore Gardone Riviera. Take a walk through the historic centre of Gardone, located on the hillside above the lakefront, or explore the nearby Heller Botanic Garden - fabulous gardens which take advantage of Lake Garda's climate and feature a mix of plants from all over the world. This evening we head to Verona's Roman Arena, a dramatic Roman amphitheatre built in 30AD. Here we enjoy one of the highlights of the holiday, a wonderful performance of the Verona Opera. Savour the magical atmosphere as the artists impress the crowds and stir up emotions with world-class performances of some of the most evocative opera music ever written. (B)

Today is at leisure to explore Lake Garda. You could also travel further afield, taking a ferry from Gardone for a cruise on the lake, sailing past pretty villages and beautiful scenery. Catch glimpses of glamorous lakeside villas and stunning gardens, normally hidden from view, and admire houses set against a backdrop of pine-clad hills. The lakeside town of Malcesine, positioned at the foot of dramatic Monte Baldo, has a lot to offer the visitor, including a cable-car which carries passengers up to the top of the mountain for incredible views of the lake and countryside beyond. Alternatively, you could visit the picturesque town of Sirmione, which occupies a unique position on a thin and craggy peninsula jutting 4km into the lake. Surrounded on three sides by water, Sirmione is one of the most peaceful towns on Lake Garda. The narrow winding lanes and pretty piazzas are mostly pedestrianised, which makes strolling through the town a pleasure. A panoramic walk leads out around the promontory, and on a clear day you can enjoy great views over the lake and towards the mountains in the north. (B,D)

Today we travel across Lake Garda to the small town of Bardolino. After some free time to explore at leisure and to enjoy lunch, we are met by a private coach which takes us into the hills above Bardolino for an afternoon wine tasting and tour. Local wine experts provide us with a detailed insight into the production process and the different grape varieties and vintages as we enjoy the fantastic local wines. We return to Bardolino by coach after our tour, continuing across the lake to Gardone Riviera by boat. (B,D)

We leave Lake Garda after breakfast and travel by coach to Milan enjoying breathtaking views of the Italian countryside. We continue by train from here travelling through Lausanne to Dijon. Upon arrival we transfer to the Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau, where we overnight. (B,D)

We travel by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue on by Eurostar service in Standard Premier Class, to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday

The incredible Arena di Verona has been brilliantly restored and becomes an awe-inspiring open-air opera venue for 'opera season', which begins in June. The historic setting has been brought up to date with superb lighting and is now one of the most exciting opera stages in the world. Savour the magical atmosphere as the artists impress the crowds and stir up emotions with world-class performances of some of the most evocative opera music ever written.

VERONA OPERA PERFORMANCES

Seating is in comfortable 'Poltrona' seats in the stalls of the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre.